Klassen, Peter Jacob (1925-2004)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2004 Nov 5 p. 28

Birth date: 1925 Mar 17

text of obituary:

PETER JACOB KLASSEN

Peter Jacob Klassen died Aug. 18. He was born Mar. 17, 1925 in Margenau,Molotschna Colony, Ukraine to Jacob and Anna Klassen. His father died when Peter was 10 and his mother later died of starvation. He accepted the Lord at 22 and was baptized June 1, 1947. He fled Ukraine and had to serve in the German army. He was captured and spent time in a POW camp. After release he went to a refugee camp in Gronau, Germany. He married Mary Penner Feb. 8, 1948. They immigrated to Neuland Colony, Paraguay. He studied at Elim Bible School, Fernheim, and was ordained to ministry. They immigrated to Coaldale, Alta. in 1953, then to Vancouver Island. There he pastored the MB church and worked as a logger. They moved to Coaldale, and then to Kitchener, Ont. In 1968 they moved to Kelowna, B. C. and finally to the Fraser Valley, B.C. He took his faith seriously and the Bible literally. He had a good work ethic, enjoyed humour and was generous in helping others. He went on 26 Disciple Making International trips to Russia, Ukraine, Philippines and Nigeria. Music was important and the family band played at churches, weddings and homes. He directed singing in choirs and congregation. He enjoyed sports and table games. Predeceased by daughter Elfrieda, he is mourned by Mary; sons Henry, Grand Forks, B.C.; Albert, Abbotsford; Wally, Salmon Arm, B.C.; daughters Liz, White Rock, B.C.; Ruth Ann, Abbotsford; 10 grandchildren. The funeral was Aug. 23 in Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford.